Football: Isa Sakamoto sends Gamba to the Emperor’s Cup final against Vissel

SUITA, Osaka (Kyodo) – Substitute Isa Sakamoto scored with virtually the last kick of the match to send Gamba Osaka through to the Emperor’s Cup final with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time win over Yokohama F Marinos on Sunday.

Dani Poyatos’ men will take on Vissel Kobe at Tokyo’s National Stadium on November 23 following their 2-1 win at home to Kyoto Sanga in Sunday’s other semi-final.

The semi-final at the Panasonic Stadium in Gamba appeared to be decided by penalties until Sakamoto scored the winner in the last five extra minutes of the second half of extra time.

The visitors appeared to have sealed the result when captain Ken Matsubara pushed the ball over the line for a 2-1 lead in the 88th minute after Gamba keeper Jun Ichimori parried Anderson Lopes’ shot.

But Gamba sent the game into extra time with a last-gasp effort, with Shinnosuke Nakatani heading a header into the net after a cross from Tokuma Suzuki.

Sakamoto secured victory with his stunning solo effort after the referee signaled the advantage for a foul on Takashi Usami as he allowed his 21-year-old teammate to go into space. With a lot of work still to be done, Sakamoto dribbled and feinted past his defender and took down Marinos goalkeeper Hiroki Iikura.

“It was a long and tiring match, but I’m happy with the result,” said Sakamoto. “I dream of contributing to the winning game every match, and I managed to do that today.”

Gamba midfielder Kota Yamada smashed home the opening goal in the 26th minute after a header floated towards him outside the area. Marinos hit back in the 37th minute through Yan Matheus, who curled in the equalizer with an assist from Brazilian compatriot Lopes.

At Kobe’s Noevir Stadium, Daiju Sasaki scored the winner in the 55th minute after Sanga striker Marco Tulio canceled out Taisei Miyashiro’s opening goal. Currently, defending J1 champions Kobe are in second place in the J-League’s top flight and are competing for the league and cup double.